Student Reviews

Alicia, White Belt

I have been attending the Serra Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy for about two months now. Jiu-jitsu is a sport that both my husband and I can enjoy together. We get a good workout and keep in shape. Learning self defense moves through jiu-jitsu has been an enjoyable experience. The teachers are always willing to help as well as the other students.

Vincent DiCostanzo, White Belt

Serra BJJ is with out doubt best school I ever attended and I would recommend it to every one I know.

Pano Kellarakos, Blue Belt

All I can say is since the moment I stepped foot in the academy, there has never been a day where I wanted to stop, Jiu-Jitsu has completely changed my life in more ways than one, and I can't even imagine my life without it anymore, I always look forward to training, and no matter how bad my day is, or how tired I am from school or work, all that goes away when I step foot on the mat; Everyone at Serra Jitsu Academy has become like a second family to me, and I feel so lucky to have each and every one of them in my life.

Rich M., White Belt

Im a regular, mid 30's a little out of shape, working dude who loves BJJ & MMA. When I moved from NYC to LI i needed a new school to train at and Serra had always stood out as a name in World Championship BJJ, so how could i go wrong? I gave it a shot.

I'm in absolutely no position to evaluate the best BJJ school, but I can say when i walked in and met Matt, Nick & Bo they were welcoming, friendly and after the first day knew my name - I've trained at places where they didnt know my name for months!

I trained primarily with Gabriel and Gil while I was there. These guys are incredible teachers who know BJJ, and have patience beyond belief. I sweated my ass off, got in better shape and the opportunity to learn from some of the best. Matt was consistently at the school teaching and involved in training. Regularly, Matt & Nicky would even jump in the beginners class and work with the newbies like me.

I can honestly say at Serra everyone is sincerely happy & willing to teach you the art if you are willing to put in the time. Take advantage if you can.

Tommy Messineo, White Belt

One of the best decisions I ever made in my life! The academy provides professional instruction from experienced martial arts practitioners. It also features excellent training facilities and seminars with recognized guest instructors throughout the year. I highly recommend it for anyone interested in combat sports, MMA, self-defense techniques, physical fitness, and meeting new people. It's like having an extended family.

Jonathan DeSousa, Blue Belt

What got me in was the world-class instruction. What kept me coming was the great people and friendly atmosphere.

Daniel Aks, White Belt

What's not to love about Serra BJJ? Everything about it is amazing. Every week I'm always looking forward to jiu jitsu and Muay Thai. All the instructors are helpful and the academy is one big family, making it even that more enjoyable.

Vince DeNunzio, Blue Belt

I began my training at Serra BJJ. I really didn't appreciate how good the instruction was until I moved away and began looking for another place to train. Rolling with new people at my belt level showed me how much I learned training at Serra. Aside from the top-notch instruction, the vibe in the gym is just what I wanted. Good, solid people to learn from and to train with. Anyone looking to train BJJ owes it to himself to check out Serra BJJ.

Jack Wu, Blue Belt

Brazilian jiu jitsu has helped me effectively arrest criminals and return home safely to my family. It has also taught me to remain calm during stressful and potentially dangerous situations.

Paul Gartner, White Belt

Taking the step forward to begin training BJJ was an important move for me, but choosing Serra BJJ has been the best choice! The instructors and fellow students create the best environment possible to learn and develop your skills. Can't wait to keep it going and see what the future brings!

Johnnie Bray, White Belt

When I die, bury me in my Serra BJJ gi… it's just that real. With leaders like Matt, Nicky and James , it's easy to walk around with your chest poked out for reasons that go far beyond jiu jitsu and Mauy Thai.

Meg Stone, White Belt

Training at Serra is incredible. The instructors are very helpful and knowledgeable and they make the lessons fun. They break the techniques down and are willing to review them with the students until they feel comfortable with and understand them. The environment at the dojo is always a friendly and welcoming one.

Steve Squires, Purple Belt

I joined the Serra Academy when I was only a little freshman in high school at 14 years old and have come so far… an 18 year old purple belt with all credit going to those who have trained me. I remember my very first day when Sensei Danny Valle showed me the Americana! I instantly became addicted to the art. I started out as the youngest student in the adult beginner class and also the smallest, but it actually worked to my advantage as all of my instructors taught me the importance of technique.

As time went on, I became more technical due to the superior teaching skills of all my instructors and training partners. Without a doubt, joining the Serra Brazilian Jiu Jitsu academy is the best decision I have made. Everyone, and I mean everyone, is so helpful and willing to put the extra time in on the mats. There is no other place I would rather train and I mean it. We are a family and I have met all my best friends here as well. Senseis Matt, Nicky, Drago, Danny Valle, Charlie, Mike and many of my training partners have all spent hours and hours with me after class. My addiction to Brazilian jiu jitsu increases every time I set foot on the mats.

Everyone is so supportive; we always come out to watch each other and coach each other at competitions. It's truly a great feeling to have so much support. The people at this academy aren't just my instructors or my training partner; they are my brothers. The bond doesn't end on the mats either. Even off the mats, the family stays together. In fact, just the other day I texted Sensei Charlie about a technique that he showed and he texted me step by step exactly how to do it; the support never ends. Serra Brazilian jiu jitsu has changed my life in the best way possible and I am so thankful for everyone and everything you guys do.

Special thanks to Sensei Matt and Nicky for giving me the opportunity to train and meet all of the great people that belong to this academy. I am proud to call Serra BJJ Academy my home.

Jay La Rosa, Blue Belt

The decision to train at Serra Jitsu has been a rewarding experience. Not only do you gain excellent physical conditioning and mental prowess in the jiu jitsu game through high level instruction, you gain a camaraderie within the extended Serra Jitsu family. I highly recommend to everyone.

Christopher Frida, Blue Belt

When I started training at Serra BJJ back in 2008 I was 170 pounds and extremely out of shape. I was also dealing with the recent loss of my father. Through training at Serra BJJ I became extremely motivated to change my diet and lifestyle and I also had a new focus and a new second family. I dropped 40 pounds and got into the best shape of my entire life.

My instructors and training partners (such as Andrew Frisa, Joe Sagarese and Mike Horun) at Serra BJJ have become like a second family to me and I cannot imagine my life without them or the wonderful art of Brazilian jiu jitsu. I will be forever grateful to the Gracie family and the Serra family for giving me the beautiful gift of jiu jitsu. It has changed my life in the most positive of ways!

Brian Axelrod, Blue Belt

Serra BJJ has become a second home to me. I am living proof that it is never too late to get into the game. I really look forward to my classes every week and I am excited to be a part of the Serra family. Going to class is not just a workout when you’re motivated by your training partners and instructors to become better at the art of jiu jitsu every class.

John Bickerton, Blue Belt

I love coming here! The camaraderie, the constant physical and mental challenge. Learning jiu jitsu is a great way to deal with life’s challenges.

If you are ready to begin your training, or if you would like more information, fill out this form and one of our program directors will contact you as soon as possible.